Lawyers from Cities Including Philadelphia, Indianapolis and San Francisco Lauded by DRI for Achievements and Community Service.

Business Editors/Legal Writers

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 19, 2003

Lawyers from around the country have been cited for their professional achievements and exemplary public service by DRI - the Voice of the Defense Bar. The organization's annual professional achievement and service awards recognize individuals for contributions to the defense bar, the civil justice system, and their involvement in public service activities.

"At a time when the public spotlight is on business ethics and social responsibility, the efforts of these outstanding members of the defense bar serve as an example to those of us in the legal community," said John Kouris, executive director of DRI. "The efforts of these lawyers and their firms serve as a reminder to us all of our responsibilities to not only to provide our clients with the best possible service, but also to be mindful of our duty as members of the communities in which we live and work."

The DRI Community Service Award was presented to J. Denny Shupe, partner of the Philadelphia law firm Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP. Mr. Shupe was honored for his involvement in public service activities that demonstrated his extraordinary commitment to improving the social and cultural well-being of the general public by participating in programs that had a positive impact on a segment of his community and the general public.

The Louis B. Potter Lifetime Professional Service Award was presented to Hugh E. Reynolds Jr., senior counsel of the Indianapolis law firm Locke Reynolds LLP. Mr. Reynolds was recognized for his professional service, which went beyond observance of the legal profession's ethical rules and served the best interests of clients and the public.

The Outstanding Committee Chair Award was presented to Thomas A. Packer, partner of the San Francisco law firm Gordon & Rees LLP. Mr. Packer was given the award for his committee involvement, which included presenting successful seminars and producing high-quality publications, increasing committee membership, motivating membership participation, and creating and implementing new projects.

The Rich Krochock Award was presented to Randall R. Riggs, partner of the Indianapolis law firm Locke Reynolds LLP. Mr. Riggs was awarded for providing exemplary leadership to the DRI Young Lawyers Committee through sponsorship and participation in its programs and activities, along with educating, guiding, supporting and mentoring its members.

The G. Duffied Smith Outstanding Publication Award was presented to Kenneth Ross, of counsel of the Minnetonka, Minn., law firm Bowman and Brooke LLP. Mr. Smith was honored for authoring an outstanding feature article in "For The Defense".

The Rudolph A. Janata Award was presented to dual recipients, the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia and the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys. Accepting the award for the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia was President William E. Galeota and Executive Director Peggy L. Schultz. Accepting the award for the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys was President Gary S. Parsons and Executive Director Lynette D. Pitt. This award recognized them as outstanding defense bar associations that have undertaken an innovative and unique program contributing to the goals and objectives of the organized defense bar.

The Fred H. Sievert Award was presented to Katherine S. Kerby, partner of the Columbus, Miss., law firm of Gholson Hicks & Nichols, recognizing Ms. Kerby as an outstanding defense bar leader.

The DRI State and Local Defense Organization (SLDO) Diversity Award was presented to the Florida Defense Lawyers Association, namely president Ralph L. Marchbank, Jr., and Linda Jude. This award recognized the association as achieving significant success in demonstrating a commitment to diversity within and outside their organization, and demonstrating a commitment to diversity as evidenced by a formal diversity plan committed to achievement, sensitivity and receptivity of diversity issues, including promotion of its minority and women lawyers or volunteers.

The DRI Law Firm Diversity Award was presented to the New York, N.Y., law firm of Holland & Knight LLP. The law firm was recognized for achieving significant success in the area of law office management while also demonstrating a commitment to increase diversity within and outside the firm, as well as demonstrating a commitment to diversity as evidenced by a formal diversity plan committed to achievement, sensitivity and receptivity of diversity issues.

The Outstanding State Representative Award was presented to James E. Lozier, partner of the Lansing, Mich., law firm of Dickinson Wright PLLC. Mr. Lozier was recognized for making significant contributions toward the promotion of DRI membership, implementing a significant, unique program to foster the relationship between DRI and the SLDO to enhance DRI's stature, and enhancing the public's view of the role of the defense lawyer in the broader society.

DRI - The Voice of the Defense Bar, is the national organization of more than 21,000 defense trial lawyers and corporate counsel. DRI provides numerous educational and informational resources to members and offers many opportunities for liaison among defense trial lawyers, Corporate America, and state and local defense organizations. DRI also has an international presence, seeking to enhance understanding of the law among members of the defense community who have reason to be concerned with the expanding globalization of litigation defense. The organization can be reached at www.dri.org.